40 Years of Fa La La

FEATURING JOHN RUTTER’S GLORIA

THANK YOU

Saturday, December 9, 2023 | 7:05 PM FOR 40 YEARS!

| Holland Center

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WELCOME FROM THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

WELCOME FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ CHAIR

DR. A. BARRON BRELAND

SCOTT FOCHT

WELCOME TO OUR ANNUAL HOLIDAY SHOW, 40 YEARS OF FA LA LA ! from golden favorites like Kay Thompson’s Jingle Bells, to spirited Broadway tunes like "Sparklejollytwinklejingley" from Elf, the Musical. We’ve also rediscovered arrangements from the original 1984-86 RCMC holiday programs, including My Dancing Day, and refreshed a recent gem, Lights in the Window, an arrangement commissioned by RCMC just a few years ago.

PG 04

This is the first of three major concerts during our 40th Anniversary Season, and River City Mixed Chorus is delighted to be on this beautiful stage and grateful that you have chosen to spend your evening with us.

Our 2023-2024 Season is all about gratitude – for you, our beloved friends and family and supporters; for the small group of brave humans that started this ensemble in 1984, determined to create music that matters; for the hundreds of singers since then who have given their time and resources to sustain and grow this organization; and for a community that boldly nurtures a vision of inclusion and equity that inspires us to gather on this stage, proudly standing for many and singing as one.

Tonight’s program highlights the broad spectrum of music sung in holiday concerts past,

Another special treat comes right before intermission when RCMC performs a choral masterwork commissioned in 1974 by Omahabased Voices of Mel Olson (our friends who are now called the MasterSingers). John Rutter’s Gloria has been described as “exalted, devotional, and jubilant,” and the fiftieth anniversary of this magnificent composition will be commemorated again in February 2024 when Omaha hosts the biennial conference of the Midwestern region of the American Choral Directors Association.

RCMC is grateful for the invitation to reprise Rutter’s Gloria for that event and to share it with you tonight.

Our celebration of 40 years continues in April when RCMC premieres the mixed chorus version of the new musical Unbreakable by Broadway composer Andrew Lippa.

This 14-movement composition, originally scored for tenor and bass choruses, highlights significant

figures and events across 12 decades of LGBTQ+ history. Please join us at the Orpheum Theater for this unique concert, and then return to the Holland Performing Arts Center in June for our annual Pride Concert, Here’s Where We Stand, which will include chorus-selected favorites that speak directly to the hearts of those who love and struggle alongside us.

With all that is happening in the world right now, it seems appropriate that tonight’s performance concludes with these lyrics:

Even with our differences, there is a place we’re all connected.

Each of us can find each other’s light.

So for tonight, we pray for what we know can be.

And on this day, we hope for what we still can’t see.

It’s up to us to be the change, and even though this world needs so much more, there’s so much to be thankful for.

We hope the music performed tonight serves as a point of connection for you to joy and peace as you head into the coming weeks. And may our grateful presence remind you that you are not alone on this journey toward a better world. Thank you for being here – enjoy the show!

diversity, inspire change, and empower communities. Repeating this process multiple times, every year for forty years, is a profound testament to the importance of the work RCMC is doing and to the sheer grit and tenacity everyone associated with the organization has shown.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, welcome to RCMC’s 40th Anniversary Season! Even though the stage is adorned with green trees and white lights, make no mistake, there is a rainbow-colored birthday party happening up there! We are so grateful for all who gather with us to celebrate and support the mission that this incredible organization has been on for four decades. Every concert is the culmination of months of intense preparation to ensure that the Chorus is creating exceptional musical experiences to support

As a non-singing Board Chair, I get to watch all of this happen from the sidelines. I am sitting among you now, tapping my toes and clapping my hands in appreciation, not only for the musical gifts bestowed by the ensemble, but also for their courage to stand and be visible as part of the LGBTQ+ community in Nebraska.

more vibrant when non-profits like RCMC achieve their mission and increase their impact. Our $40K for 40 Years fundraising campaign goal is ambitious but entirely achievable with your help.

Thank you for supporting this lifegiving and life-changing work. When you strengthen RCMC’s ability to support diversity, inspire change, and empower communities, through exceptional music, you are investing in a community that has been changing the world one song at a time for the last 40 years. I am proud to be a small part of this legacy and hope you are too!

I am grateful for their dedication and it strengthens my resolve to equip the Board of Directors to successfully guide the next leg of the journey – not just the next concert but the next decade of concerts. We have plans for growth, recognizing that our community is stronger and

PG 05

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 23/24 Scott Focht Chair

J. Scott Barker Board Member

Maggie Ramos Board Member

Bill Canney Vice Chair

Addie Barnhart Board Member

Michele Yindrick Board Member

Mark Van Kekerix Treasurer

Amy Carey Board Member

Deb Manning Secretary

Brian Fahey Board Member

EX-OFFICIO BOARD MEMBERS

Dr. A. Barron Breland Artistic Director Eric Rodine Chorus President

COMMITTEE CHAIRS Scott Focht, interim Fundraising

Eric Rodine Membership

J. Scott Barker Nominations

Deb Manning Marketing

Cameron Koenig-Barker Mission & Engagement

Michele Yindrick Safety & Accessibility

WELCOME FROM THE CHORUS PRESIDENT

ERIC RODINE

annoyance to most of our friends and family.

PG 06

From all of us on stage, thank you for joining us for 40 Years of Fa La La, the first major concert of our 40th Anniversary Season! We have a big show planned for you tonight. Since mid-August, we have been hard at work, fa-la-la-ing our way through the Summer and Fall, when such sounds were truly an

All of that was worth it, though, to get to this moment when we can finally “don our gay apparel” and share the holiday carols, show tunes, and classical masterworks we have prepared for this RCMC record-breaking audience at the Holland! We are also setting a record onstage where more than 140 singers – all of whom are volunteering their time and talents – will sing and dance and make all sorts of merriment over the next two hours.

We are grateful that you have chosen to be here with us tonight.

Your support, applause, donations, and especially your patience when we are singing jingle bells at a

summer picnic are truly appreciated!

Our 40th Anniversary Season is just getting started, with two more incredible concerts coming up in 2024. We are currently looking for new singers to join our tenor and bass sections and so if you are ready to add your voice to our RCMC family, please send me an email at audition@rcmc.org. More of a clapper than a singer? No problem! We would love to add you to our email list to ensure you never miss a chance to slap your hands together on our behalf. Go to rcmc.org/join and click on the orange box that says “Join our mailing list.” We look forward to seeing you at our next show!

RCMC Thanks Our 2023-2024 Season Sponsors Forte Sponsor:

For now, sit back, relax and enjoy 40 Years of Fa La La!

Mezzo Forte Sponsors:

Piáno Sponsors:

Public Support Provided by:

Nebraska Arts Council & Nebraska Cultural Endowment

HONORING OUR

COMMUNITY

Proud Supporter

of the River City Mixed Chorus

OPPD sings the praises of the River City Mixed Chorus

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SAME GREAT CHORUS, BITE-SIZED. Did you know that RCMC offers a smaller ensemble, River’s Edge, that’s ready to entertain you and your guests on any occasion? Weddings, birthdays, work functions, you name it.

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December 24, 2023 8:30 AM Advent IV in Nativity Chapel 4 PM Prelude | 4:30 PM Children's Pageant 7 PM Prelude | 7:30 PM Worship 10 PM Prelude | 10:30 PM Worship December 25, 2023 10 AM Carol Sing 10:30 AM Worship 2024 Pride Mass Wednesday of Heartland Pride Week

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funded by the Faith Foundation in collaboration with Omaha by Design

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ARTIST BIOS 23/24

With degrees in Music Theory and Choral Conducting from the University of Georgia and the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, Dr. A. Barron Breland has emerged as a conductor set apart from others by his eclectic skills equipped to perform music from masterworks of the Baroque and Classical eras to great contemporary works of art, including repertoire in various popular styles. Recent choral performances conducted include Considering Matthew Shepard, the Mozart C-minor Mass, Mozart Requiem, and Beethoven Mass in C; critics have praised the warmth and communicative power of his performances and choruses.

DR. A. BARRON BRELAND ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Breland is in demand throughout the Midwest as a conductor, chorusmaster, clinician, and adjudicator, and he has prepared choruses for Grammy and Tony-winning artists such as Laura Benanti, John Mellencamp, Norm Lewis, Brian d’Arcy James, and conductors Dale Warland and Ted Sperling. Breland has also served as chorusmaster and prepared numerous works for the Omaha Symphony, including Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, Carmina Burana, Elijah, Messiah, and many others.

Currently, he is the Vice Provost for Faculty & Academic Affairs and Dean of the Graduate School at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, where previously he was Professor of Music and Chair of the Department of Fine & Performing Arts. He conducted their premiere ensemble, the Creighton University Chamber Choir, and taught classes in music theory, history, and conducting.

Singing from the age of 6, Breland’s first exposure to professional choral music was in 1990 as a member of the Atlanta Boy Choir, where he performed with Robert Shaw and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, as well as in tours and festivals throughout Europe.

Since 2011, he has been the Artistic Director of the River City Mixed Chorus, and in his 14-year tenure with the organization the ensemble has grown to over 140 active singing members, has headlined conferences, performed alongside Grammy-winning Conspirare, and has taken the stages of historic and iconic venues around the region.

He is also the Pricipal Guest Conductor of Résonance, a semi-professional chorus whose debut album Pilgrimage was released in July 2020 on the MSR Classics label. All the ensembles under Breland’s leadership perform regularly with the Omaha Symphony, and all have performed at state and regional ACDA and NMEA conferences.

CONCERT

Adam Witte has never been one to shy away from a music genre or musical instrument.

His tastes, talent, and curiosity run far and wide, taking him on adventures across Europe playing euphonium solos with the University of Nebraska-Omaha Symphonic Wind Ensemble, guiding him to sing acapella vocal jazz with Nexus, and prompting him to play keyboards with local band The Confidentials. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music with an emphasis in euphonium from the University of Nebraska-Omaha, where he is currently pursuing a Master’s of Music degree in Conducting.

ADAM WITTE ASSISTANT ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Though his musical accomplishments are long and varied, vocal music has always played a big role in Adam’s journey. He currently uses these skills to hone the talents of others in his role as Adjunct Instructor at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska.

In addition, he has always been involved in church music, from singing in the choir to playing piano and handbells, and now serves as the Choir Director at Countryside Community Church in Omaha, Nebraska, the Christian partner of the Tri-Faith Initiative.

It seems fitting that Adam became a singing member of River City Mixed Chorus only to be named Assistant Artistic Director a short year later. In addition to his work with Creighton University and RCMC, Adam is also a singing member of the Omaha vocal ensemble Résonance.

PG 19

ARTIST BIOS 23/24

KEITH HART COLLABORATIVE PIANIST

WINTER CONCERT | 40 YEARS OF FA LA LA

A native of Shenandoah, Iowa, Keith earned a Bachelor’s degree in music education from Northwest Missouri State University and began his musical career as a public school music teacher. He eventually turned his attention to the world of theatre, and worked as piano accompanist and musical director for productions in the Kansas City area, including Starlight Theatre, Quality Hill Playhouse, and Unicorn Theatre. After completing a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Missouri - Kansas City, he moved to Omaha to work as a scenic designer at the Omaha Community Playhouse. In the 20+ years since then, he has worked as pianist, musical director, or scenic designer for various Omaha area theatre companies, including SNAP, Shelterbelt, Bluebarn Theatre, Bellevue Little Theatre, Chanticleer, Stages of Omaha, and the Omaha Community Playhouse. He has also been a church musician most of his life, at Dietz Methodist Church and First Unitarian Church of Omaha, among others. His day job is Administrative Manager at the Omaha Conservatory of Music.

Keith joined River City Mixed Chorus as Collaborative Pianist in 2015.

Patrick Roddy joined Creighton University’s dance faculty in 1993 and is currently Director of the Dance Program. He has a well-developed connection to the Omaha dance and theatre communities as well; having performed on, or choreographed for, nearly every Omaha stage over the past half century. From 1978-1992, he worked and studied professionally in New York and Los Angeles.

PG 20

PATRICK RODDY CHOREOGRAPHER

AN ENSEMBLE OF TALENT, IDENTITY, AND HUMAN KINDNESS.

CONCERT SUPPORT

INSTRUMENTALISTS

ARTISTIC TEAM Travis Mullins Chorus Manager

Jason Johnson Willie Karpf Trumpet I Saxophone & Clarinet

Adam Witte Assistant Artistic Director

Peter Soby Videographer & Video Production

Jaime Tyser Trumpet II

Erica Nightengale Flute

Keith Hart Collaborative Pianist

Studio B Sound Recording

Delaney Lynam Trumpet III

Mark Haar Bass Guitar

Michele Yindrick Technical Director & Lighting Design

Dan Brennan, O-pa Production Manager

Marcus Nunez Trumpet IV

Mark Irvin Guitar

Paul Niedbalski Trombone I

Vince Krysl Drums

Shawn Bell Trombone II

Tim Hillyer Timpani

Blake Stevens Trombone III

Kimberly Pearce Percussion & 4-hand Piano

Alex Serwatowski Tuba

Alex Ritter Organ

Dr. A. Barron Breland Artistic Director & Conductor

Molly O'Brien Asst. Technical Director Stephanie Vik ASL Interpreter

IATSE Local 42 Stagehands & Electricians Thomas Grady Photography Event Photographer

SECTION LEADERS Soprano Alyssa Nelson Brittany Wineinger

Tenor Steven Crandall Dr. Donald Callen Freed

Alto Mariah Frahm Rose Uhrich

Bass John Porter Adam Steinbach

PG 21

WINTER CONCERT | 40 YEARS OF FA LA LA

WINTER CONCERT | 40 YEARS OF FA LA LA

SINGERS

ALTO

SOPRANO Hannah Lee Miller | 5 Alyssa Nelson+ | 11

Alicia Amedee+ | 4

Victoria Krol | 5

Michaela Baumeister | 4

Demi Kulper* | 1

Bridget Battafarano | 2

Reo Newring | 21

Ashe Bechtel | 3

Laura Leeds* | 15

Jane Betterman* | 3

Shaelyn Nielsen | 3 Jack Noden+ | 3

Brittany Bowman | 1 Cian Brun+ | 8

Ashley Lemke | 1

Sarah Chamberlin | 1 Bridget Claborn+ | 2

Erin O'Hara+ | 1

Melissa Bugay | 3

Deb Manning | 10

Heather Pash | 1

Christa McCall | 4

Sara Dean | 7

Anita Pecor^ | 3

Jeanne Cahill | 2 Junie Coleman+ | 3

Arlo Foster | 1

Deanna Reilly | 3

Karen Davidson-Fisher | 36

Alyson Meadows* | 23

Carolyn Gehringer | 6

Rebecca Rotert Shaw+ | 6 Caryn Scheer+ | 5

Denise Dunham | 2

Nancy Mealey | 22

Gina Durfee | 3

Bethany Miller | 2

Connie Grant-Leanna | 18

Sam Servellon | 2

Kippa Duskdancer | 1

Micah Oswald | 4

Rita Grossenstein | 11

Robin Sheldrake^ | 16

Sara Pecor | 3

Judy Hancock | 41

Lynell Stafford | 14

Danielle Emsick | 10 Emily Ertzner+ | 15 Laura Finken | 25

Carol Ramsey* | 16

Anne Barker+ | 20 Sam Bates | 6

Katya Brunette | 9

Dakota Ghegan | 5

Naomi Harrison-Carlson | 3 Suzy Stark | 16 PG 22

SINGERS

Julie Major-Frunz | 4

Joyce McVicker | 23

Forest Pierce | 2

Valerie Haynes | 17 Jessi Hitchins+ | 1

Brooke Sutton | 1

Mariah Frahm^ | 16

Vicki Rushlau | 26

Jaimee Trobough* | 2

Kjersten Schuttler | 1

Kerrin Hoyer | 18

Amber Vallier | 2

Jody Gernandt | 22 Irene Hawkins+ | 5

Micaela Hoyer | 17

Chole Hawkins | 11

Julie Shaffer | 1

Sarah Keeney | 2

Cheyanne Vincent* | 2 Kaitryn Williams^+ | 3

Katherine Higbee | 9

Julie Sharp^ | 8

Emily Koenig-Barker | 17

Brittany Wineinger^ | 6

Michelle Jansen-Griswold | 10 Katie Stockdale | 2

Kelsey Scovill | 7

Carol Svolos | 3

Michaela Long | 1

Gloria Jensen | 28 Claire Katan^+ | 5

Erin Malm | 2

Madelyn Kazmierski | 2

Rose Uhrich | 5

Jillian McCall | 18

Erika Kirby | 1

Rachael Vacanti | 12

Katie Kresha | 1

Sally Swoboda | 1

MEMBERSHIP PINS The lapel pins worn by RCMC members are symbols of pride that showcase their singing appearances. The colors correlate to the number of concerts in which the member participated.

1-5 Concerts

30-39 Concerts

6-9 Concerts

40-49 Concerts

10-19 Concerts 20-29 Concerts

50+ Concerts

Alex Van Cleave+ | 3

Whitney Gent | 2

BASS

Robin Welchans | 1

Stan Brown* | 72

Amy Wolf | 3

Andrea Grover | 3 Kevin Hauser+ | 2

Elizabeth Wood | 1

Christopher Hill | 4

Bill Canney | 19

Michele Yindrick | 24

Jon Holloway-Wallace^ | 23 Victor Hahn | 39

Aiden Quinn | 9 Eric Rodine^+ | 10

Alex Young^ | 3

LuAnn McClarnon | 10

Chris Holst | 58

David Shreffler | 2

Grayson McGregor | 1

Donald-Brian Johnson* | 13

Adam Steinbach | 10

Debbie Nelson* | 5

Noah Kihm | 1

Dan Cameron Burgdorf | 1

Josh Phelps | 1 John Porter^+ | 10

TENOR

Floyd Palser | 4

Cameron Koenig-Barker | 20

Brett Toay | 13 Adam Witte^+ | 17

Shaelle Adams | 1

Nik Shapoval* | 8

Jacob Lawson^ | 2

Tony Wredt | 8

Matthew Bang | 15

Thomas Simons | 11

Andy McCullough | 3

Brian Wyant | 27

Sam Barker | 16

Hal Sims | 1

Chris Michener* | 9

Ryan Zeigler | 5

Mark Barta | 2

Nathan Stanley | 2

Scott Miller* | 25

Phil Zellner | 15

Steven Crandall | 5

Grae Steele* | 4

Gedi Murauskas | 5

Bryan Crawford^ | 24

Logan Steiner | 3

Michael Parke* | 2

Jared Cunningham | 4 Mark Curley | 25

Justin Thomason+ | 1 Brodie Urwin+ | 1

^ River’s Edge

David Ellis | 5

Mark Van Kekerix^ | 36

+ Featured Dancer

Dennis Fellhauer | 12

Nick Weber | 3

* Leave of Absence

Donald Callen Freed^ | 8

Larry Wilson | 41

PG 23

CONCERT ORDER

40 YEARS OF FA LA LA DECK THE HALL

KAY THOMPSON'S JINGLE BELLS

Arranged by Chad Weirick

Words & Music by James Pierpont Arranged by Kay Thompson & Johnny Mandel

DING, DONG! MERRILY ON HIGH!

Choral Adaptation by Mark Hayes

Words by George Radcliffe Woodward

Anne Barker, soprano Sam Barker, tenor

Arranged by Ryan Murphy

I WONDER AS I WANDER

COOL YULE

Words & Music by John Jacob Niles

Words & Music by Steve Allen

Arranged by John Rutter

Arranged by Kirby Shaw

Claire Katan, mezzo-soprano

WINTER WONDERLAND

MY DANCING DAY

Words by Dick Smith

Arranged by John Robert Zeigler

Music by Felix Bernard

IT CAME UPON THE MIDNIGHT CLEAR Music by Richard Ellis PG 24

Arranged by Greg Jasperse

LIGHTS IN THE WINDOW

Arranged by Paul Sjolund

GLORIA

by John Rutter

Words & Music by Jacob Spike Kraus

PG

Arranged by Tim Sarsany

25

THE MAN WITH THE BAG & SANTA BABY

I. Allegro vivace

Arranged by Paul Langford

II. Andante

Christopher Hill, tenor Kevin Hauser, tenor Thomas Simons, tenor

Kaitryn Williams, soprano Brittany Wineinger, soprano Julie Sharp, mezzo-soprano III. Vivace e ritmico

HARD CANDY CHRISTMAS — 20-MINUTE INTERMISSION —

Cash bars are available in the lobbies. Be sure to check out RCMC’s raffle basket fundraiser in the

Words by Carol Hall Arranged by Steve Milloy

main lobby on the orchestra level to purchase a chance to win a gift basket! All raffle proceeds

THANKFUL

benefit RCMC’s Ryan-Knicely Scholarship Fund.

Words & Music by Carole Bayer Sager, David Foster, & Richard Page Arranged by Mark Hayes

RIVER CITY MIXED CHORUS Proud to be a

2023 NEBRASKA STATE ARTS AWARD WINNER for ORGANIZATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT Recognizing 40 years of demonstrating the highest level of excellence in programming and community engagement.

Anita Pecor, soprano SPARKLEJOLLYTWINKLEJINGLEY FROM THE BROADWAY MUSICAL ELF Words by Chad Beguelin Music by Matthew Sklar Arranged by Andy Beck

JOIN US IN

Holidays 2023 Celebrate the joys of the winter season with a botanical-inspired version of the “12 Days of Christmas”. Tour 12 displays, each representing a day in the winter garden, and sing along with new lyrics to the classic holiday song. The festive foliage of the iconic 20-foot-tall poinsettia tree will add holiday magic to the show and the whir and whistle of model garden trains will create a joyful noise! Whether it’s a stroll through the lush conservatory, roasting marshmallows, or enjoying family-friendly activities, there is a magic at Lauritzen Gardens that makes the season Merry & Bright.

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BECOME AN ADVOCATE

We make it easy!

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Join us in this place set apart!

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CLOSED THANKSGIVING DAY | CHRISTMAS DAY ILLUMINATED ON SELECT EVENINGS FOR BRIGHT NIGHTS!

Festive Fun FOR EVERYONE! To reserve your timed tickets, visit:

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Dec 31 st

100 BANCROFT STREET, OMAHA

Supporting Our Community SINCE 1855

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We are proud to be part of this community.

We are proud to be part of this community.

Join us for our 40th Season!

40 SPOTLIGHT RCMC'S ARTIST SHOWCASE

October 20  7 PM | October 21  2 PM | Benson Theatre

HERE’S

Saturday, December 9 | 7:05 PM | Holland Center

WERE

A NEW MUSICAL BY ANDREW LIPPA Saturday, April 13 | 7:05 PM | Orpheum Theater

Saturday, June 8 | 7:05 PM | Holland Center

Visit rcmc.org for Season 23/24 details!

HERE’S

WERE

SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

FOUNDING MEMBERS for bravely putting into motion their dream of a more inclusive Omaha.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS, COMMITTEE CHAIRS, AND COMMITTEE MEMBERS who donate their time to ensure that our organization continues to thrive through every season.

MICHELE YINDRICK

for volunteering her time, talent, and professional expertise in both technical production and lighting design to make each RCMC performance a success.

CHRIS ACKER OF MIXING ROOM STUDIOS AND HANK KUHLMANN

for creating the pre-concert greeting.

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, PASTOR MORITA TRUMAN, AND STAFF

for providing RCMC with weekly rehearsal space and storage for RCMC’s music library and other materials critical to our success as an organization.

NATE DODGE

for providing RCMC with storage space for our stage decorations and other large items.

CREIGHTON UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS

for use of percussion equipment for tonight's performance.

UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKAOMAHA BARBARA WEITZ COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT CENTER

for providing space and use of virtual meeting equipment for RCMC’s monthly Board meetings.

MIKE HOGAN AND DAVE WEBBER

for helping us get the word out about RCMC and our mission to KIOS and WOWT audiences, respectively.

VALERIE HAYNES

for serving as RCMC’s music librarian.

JARED CUNNINGHAM

for serving as attire coordinator, ensuring new and returning members are looking their best on stage.

TONY WREDT

for rehearsal setup each week.

BRIAN WEDEMEIER, GORDON KRENTZ, AND VOLUNTEERS

for coordinating the raffle basket fundraiser during the concert to benefit the RCMC Scholarship Fund.

ST. ANDREW'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, FIRST PLYMOUTHLINCOLN, & NEBRASKA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY

for allowing RCMC to borrow copies of Rutter's Gloria vocal and instrumental scores.

SUPPORT

DEMI KULPER, JOHN PORTER, AND KEITH HALE

for volunteering many hours in support of our social media and helping us spread our message of inclusivity as far as the internet reaches.

HEARTLAND SCENIC STUDIO, INC

for loaning transportation and a valuable member of their team to assist with RCMC production needs.

STANDING FOR MANY. SINGING AS ONE.

PG 33

DONOR BENEFIT LEVELS

OUR DONORS

PRODUCER CIRCLE OF GIVING

PERFORMERS $1 – $249

Recognition of donation in concert programs

PRODUCER CIRCLE OF GIVING As a non-profit organization, we rely on the generosity of our allies to help us continue our mission to create exceptional musical experiences to support diversity, inspire change, and empower communities. We are so grateful for the support of our Producer Circle of Giving. To become a member and take advantage of our donor benefits, make a donation online at rcmc.org.

Contributions from December 1, 2022 – November 30, 2023

SOLOISTS $250– $499

DIVAS

$500– $999

PG 34

PRODIGY

$1,000 – $2,499

Recognition of donation in concert programs One (1) ticket each to each of the next 2 major concerts

Recognition of donation in concert programs Two (2) tickets each to Winter, Spring, & Summer concerts Priority seating at concerts (must RSVP) Invitation to an annual Donor Appreciation Event

Recognition of donation in concert programs Four (4) tickets each to the Winter, Spring, & Summer concerts Priority seating at concerts (must RSVP) Invitation to an annual Donor Appreciation Event

Recognition of donation in concert programs

VIRTUOSO

$2,500 – $4,999

Six (6) tickets each to the Winter, Spring, & Summer concerts Priority seating at concerts (must RSVP) Recognition of your support at our concerts Invitation to an annual Donor Appreciation Event

Recognition of donation in concert programs

MAESTRO $5,000 +

Six (6) tickets each to the Winter, Spring, & Summer concerts Priority seating at concerts (must RSVP) Recognition of your support at our concerts Invitation to an annual Donor Appreciation Event Dinner for Four (4) with RCMC’s Artistic Director

MAESTRO $5000+ Conor Oberst VIRTUOSO $2500-$4999 Patricia Gromak George Kleine & Tom Knox Lynne Mytty & Jana Martin Mark Van Kekerix PRODIGY $1000-$2499 Dr. Armand Daniel Boudreau Jr & Patricia Boudreau Mark & Ginny Curley David & Laura Finken Bill Gaus Hank Kuhlmann & Donald-Brian Johnson Cindy Ludwig Penny May Daniel McCarthy Thomas Nielsen & Kevin Rose Brian & Kelly Robbins Bud Shaw & Rebecca Rotert Shaw Raymond Vondrak Connie Witte In memory of Greg Witte Anonymous DIVAS $500-$999 J. Scott & Anne Barker James Blachnik Amy Bones Debra & Christian Christensen In memory of Greg Witte Michael Collins Randall Donner & Ron Chase David Ellis & Mark Nation-Ellis David & Jill Faith Lee Foster Keith Hart Dan & Cindy Heidelberg Raymond Hoffman Betsy Kimball & Don Frey Marissa Kreifels In memory of Greg Witte Thomas Liefer

Todd & Betiana Simon Thomas Stalnaker Carol & Tom Svolos Lawrence "Red" & Jan Thomas In honor of J. Scott Barker Barbara True & Sharri Fletcher Jill Van Kekerix Jaydee Worden SOLOISTS $250-$499 Mary Anna & Clyde Anderson Thomas & Sara Dean In honor of the RCMC Board of Directors Kimberly Fauver Scott Focht Vicki Grunwald In memory of Greg Witte Victor Hahn Keith Hale Chris Holst Deb Manning & Bill Sukstorf Monty McClean Matt, Katie, Nora, & Luke Pierson Mark Schulze James & Susan Tracy Rebecca Wiegand & Marvin Van Kekerix Kay Worl PERFORMERS $1-$249 Kate Bard Mary Beachler In memory of Greg Witte Michelle Renee Beacom Mike & Katie Beacom Evangelos Beardall Carol Beaty Charles Begay Taylor Bell Jane Betterman Buster Brown & Lynn Corbeil Mariah Brown Mary Brown In memory of Greg Witte

Lowell Burkum In memory of Greg Witte Bridget Claborn Javier Cruz Lara Kirk & Catherine Cryer In honor of Judy Hancock & Brian Wyant Susan P Davies In honor of Jaimee Trobough Gwendolyn Witte Dickey In memory of Greg Witte DO'B Catherine Eberle Coral Erikson In honor of Joyce McVicker Cleveland Evans Jason Evert Toni Furmanski DeWayne Greim Andrea Grover Louanne Gruidel Sara Hahn Rita Hamele Donald Hancock Valerie Haynes Cat Henning Jacob Herr Chris Hollers Bob Hoppe In memory of John Hall Judith Hovinga In memory of Greg Witte Carol & David Johnson Loralee Johnson-Berke In memory of Greg Witte Lori Justman Jeffrey Kazmierski Gwendolyn Ketter In memory of Rich Ketter Susan Koenig Gordon Krentz & Tom Simons William Kuhn Judy Kulper Carol & Michael LaCroix Larry & Laura Leeds

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OUR DONORS

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Sherryl Lilley In memory of Greg Witte & Jerry Kruse Dinisha Loomis In memory of Greg Witte Jeffrey Lulf Michael & Karen Markey Beatriz Martinez Erika McColley Patti McCoy In memory of Greg Witte Robert & Katherine McMeen Patrick McNary Steven Mohr Mary Lou Mueller Janis Mullins Loren & Iola Mullins Gedi Murauskas Dorothy Neill Deirdre Offarrell Evan O'Keefe Patricia Olsen In memory of Greg Witte Kimberly & Ed Pearce Anita Pecor Sharon Peters In memory of Greg Witte Colin Roberts Dorri Ryan Austin Sailors In memory of Greg Witte Caryn Scheer Amy Schindler

Deetta Schmierer In memory of Greg Witte Don Slaughter Dara Spivack Corey Stafford Allan & Lynnette Stamler Eileen Stark In memory of Greg Witte Suzy Stark Grae Steele Adam Steinbach Lindsay Stobbe Justin Thomason Donna Trombla In memory of Greg Witte Jerry Tyrrell Patricia Weber Keith Weeces Joann Wellsandt In memory of Greg Witte Laurie White In memory of Greg Witte Pamela Wiese Doug & Pat Witte In memory of Greg Witte Lindsey Wylie

BUSINESS/ORGANIZATION DONATIONS & GRANT FUNDING Amazon Smiles Foundation Benson Theatre Boys Town Buildertrend Conagra Brands LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group Deluxe Corporation Foundation (employee match) Episcopal Diocese of Nebraska Farm Credit Services of America First National Bank of Omaha First United Methodist Church (in-kind) Heartland Family Services Heartland Pride Imperial Court of Nebraska Foundation Kroger Mutual of Omaha Nebraska Arts Council Omaha Community Foundation LGBTQIA2S+ Equality Fund Omaha Public Power District Rainbow Getaways, LLC – Scott Wismont Share Omaha Sheet Music Plus Together A Greater Good (TAGG) Tri Faith Initiative – Unity Walk

ALL ABOUT THAT BASS (& TENOR) Hey there, vocal superstar.

Why not take your singing from the seat to the stage? Audition to join us for our Spring 2024 session. More information about auditions on page 41.

rcmc.org

Valmont Industries, Inc Walmart

RYAN-KNICELY SCHOLARSHIP FUND The Ryan-Knicely Scholarship Fund was created to ensure that there are no financial barriers to being a member of the Chorus for anyone who wishes to sing. Chorus members in need of financial assistance can apply to the Board of Directors for help from the Fund with covering Chorus-related expenses. Contributions from December 1, 2022 - November 30, 2023 Bill Gaus Raymond Hoffman Victor Hahn

Laura Leeds Adam Steinbach Justin Thomason

RCMC Concert Raffle Basket Fundraisers

SUPPORT THE ENDOWMENT The River City Mixed Chorus Endowment Fund was established by the Board of Directors in 2015. Administered by the Omaha Community Foundation, the Endowment Fund is a resource that will help ensure the long-term financial health of the Chorus. The Fund is set up so that the principal is not used, but proceeds from the principal will help fund the annual budget.

Contributions from July 1, 2015 – November 30, 2023 Randall Donner & Ron Chase Bill Gaus Andrea Grover Valerie Haynes & Dee Ramm

Nan Knicely Estate Trust Frank & Penny Kowal Gedi Murauskas Jeff Nelson

Mary Lou Ruh Estate Trust Allan Stamler Carol Svolos RCMC Board of Directors

Big? The biggest.

Gay? As if you need to ask.

Lottery? More like if a raffle and a lottery joined forces for one awesome fundraiser.

Just one ticket enters you into 58 drawings— each with a prize of $100, $200 or $500. You win, we win, we keep performing, everyone wins.

RCMC’s annual BGL launches in Feb 2024.

IN MEMORIAM

CANTO ULTIMO

Italian, meaning “final song.” In our hearts they will always live. Their love, their voices, and their smiles are forever imprinted in our minds. The River City Mixed Chorus remembers past members who have sung their canto ultimo.

Chuck Alan Chip Jerry Kruse Jerry Peck Johnathan John Marilyn Norm Tim Joel

Brandon Vance Fritz Steven Jonathan D. Cole Ronnie Bruce Beyersdorf Mark Farmer Aleta Fenceroy Mike Maciejewski Elmorine McKiernan

Aramando E. Andrade Kathy England Craig Boetger Pat Phalen Peggy Ryan Rich Ketter Betty Dorr Nan Knicely Alexandra Nather Douglas Steinkruger Anne Boyle

Duane Lundeen Peggy Zellner Martin Hanna Dennis Pierce Brian D. Adams John Coe Michael Dantzler John Hall Tim Smith

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©2019, Carrie Baker, Glorious Beauties. Watercolor.

ABOUT

WHO WE ARE

CREATING EXCEPTIONAL MUSICAL EXPERIENCES

OMAHA TO DES MOINES AND BACK AGAIN. Approximately 260 miles on an unexceptional stretch of I-80 that left plenty of time for life-altering discussions, s ix friends went to see the Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus’ one-night-only performance in Des Moines. The year was 1984 — the same year that GALA Choruses, the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses, was founded.

That night changed everything.

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On the drive home, the friends discussed the need to spread the same messages of love, unity, inclusion, acceptance, and empowerment within their own community.

They organized The Mid City Chorus with three other friends, nine men and one woman, and had their first performance at a variety show for the Metropolitan Community Church of Omaha. The reception was overwhelming. Their second performance was a Christmas concert at The Max. Around that time, the founding members officially changed the name of the Chorus to River City Mixed Chorus (RCMC) and solidified their place in GALA. Since our humble beginnings, we’ve grown to more than 140 singing members, with hundreds of performances and sold-out holiday shows. We’re determined to make you laugh, make you think, and, more importantly, give you a sense of belonging.

AUDITIONS

HOW GAY CHORUSES CAME TO BE

There are times when unimaginable acts of tragedy unleash our inner courage and fuel us to act. This was such a time.

In the fall of 1978, San Francisco Supervisor Harvey Milk, the first openly gay politician in American history, and Mayor George Moscone were heartlessly assassinated in San Francisco City Hall. The event sent shockwaves through the gay and lesbian community. That evening, the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus gathered on the steps of City Hall and held it’s very first public performance. At the time, the word “gay” in a chorus name was unheard of.

Three years later, the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus toured the US, forever changing the lives of millions of people and inspiring the formation of many new gay and lesbian choruses.

By 1984, fourteen of those choruses bonded together to found what is now the largest gay and lesbian choral organization in the world —the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses (GALA Choruses). GALA Choruses has since grown to more than 10,000 singers from more than 190 choruses, all sharing in the common mission of empowering LGBTQ+ Choruses as they change the world through song.

It was because of that fateful day and heartbreaking tragedy that many choruses were able to find their voices.

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LOVED THE SHOW?

Found yourself bobbing your head and tapping your feet to the music? Pictured yourself on stage singing with our talented crew? You’re in luck; we saved a spot just for you.

Our next round of auditions will be held on Monday, December 11 at First United Methodist Church Omaha. Email us at audition@rcmc.org to reserve your spot.

In the meantime, you can peruse our commonly asked questions at rcmc.org.

TIMELINE 2004

1984

Mid City Chorus, now River City Mixed Chorus, was founded

1988

1990

RCMC members participated in the Names Quilt to honor members who passed away from the AIDS crisis

Music Director John Kelly co-directed RCMC and Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus, helping the two choruses collaborate on performances in both cities

Music Director Mark Kurtz was commissioned to compose original songs based on political breakthroughs and social changes in the LGBTQ+ community

1991-2000

Thanks to a GALA grant and private donations, RCMC was able to commission several original works for its repertoire

2011

2016

Puttin’ on the R.I.T.S (River City in the Schools) was launched with a series of performances in local high schools

Dr. A Barron Breland was named Artistic Director and helped grow membership and attendance

2019

2023

RCMC kicks off 40th Anniversary season

RCMC traveled on a mini tour to North Platte and Hastings to present its mission and message to a new audience

ADVERTISE WITH US Support RCMC and reach a wider audience by advertising your business in our concert programs.

For specific details and ad packages, email playbillads@rcmc.org or call our sing line at 402-341-SING (7464)

GET IN TOUCH contact@rcmc.org | 402-341-7476 | PO Box 3267, Omaha NE, 68103 | rcmc.org

Join us for…

Canticles & Carols: December 17—10:30 AM featuring Augustana’s Chancel and Bell Choirs

Christmas Eve Worship w/candlelight December 24—3:00 & 10:30 PM (incl harp & flute)

Every Sunday—10:30 AM 3647 Lafayette Avenue (2 blocks north of Cuming on 38th Street) 402.551.4728 augustanalutheran.com Visit us on Facebook

DR. JAMIE VAN ROEKEL Specializing in

Lower Back Pain

Sciatica

Headaches and Migraines Posture Correction Neck Pain

Shoulder Pain

Physiotherapy

Sleep Problems

Chiropractic Care

Schedule your visit to the planetarium at http://www.rollingbluffsplanetarium.com Private group reservations What’s up in the sky presentations?

Constellation presentations from 16 cultural groups from around the world.

Nebraska Zen Center/Heartland Temple is a Soto Zen Buddhist community dedicated to meditation, study, and the cultivation of compassion and wisdom in our lives and in our community.

We are a refuge, where people of all backgrounds can learn about Zen Buddhism, practice in fellowship with others, and pursue the project of awakening.

Schedule the portable planetarium travel to your event in Western Iowa and Eastern Nebraska.

Check out our online store for small batch beard balms and oils. (Our owner knows something about beard care 🐻🐻 )

https://nebraskazencenter.org

913 S 87th Ave Omaha, NE 68114

402-835-5885 OmahaCentralChiropractic.com

Inherent Worth & Dignity

Since 1971, our Unitarian Universalist faith has supported LGBTQ rights. We celebrate individuals and families with all identities and structures, providing a liberal religious community that embraces you on your faith journey.

Join us on Sundays.

First Unitarian Church of Omaha 3114 Harney St., Omaha, NE firstuuomaha.org

3012 S. 119TH ST • OMAHA, NE 2UOmaha.org